Is there actually such a thing as being overqualified for a job? As it turns out, Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies in Tampa FL, has found that our clients feel there is such a thing. As you learn how to answer interview questions, you’re going to discover that if this statement comes up during your interview, there are two things you need to keep in mind.
In the first place, this isn’t the interviewer being nice. If you’re not qualified for the job, the company isn’t going to be looking to soften the blow. They’re not going to be caustic about it, but they’re not going to go to any great lengths to spare your feelings.
In the second place, being told you’re overqualified for job does not mean you’re sunk. There are indeed interview answers that can be utilized in this situation. There are things you can say that will not only keep you in the hunt, but quite possibly increase your chances of being hired. Learning how to answer interview questions goes well beyond simply knowing what to say. You also need to learn when the time is right to say the things that are going to impress employers, and bring you that much closer to getting the job you’re after.
Being Overqualified
In order to avoid losing out because you’re apparently overqualified for the job, there are things you can do before and during the interview. There are also interview answers that can steer things away from this topic, if it seems like things are getting close to that suggestion, or if the interviewer has already said it.
Keep these tips in mind if you would like to avoid or overcome the “overqualified for the job” interview obstacle:
- Stay away from jobs that are well below your qualifications. Unless you absolutely have no choice, avoid job interviews for positions that are dramatically below you current experience level/salary range.
- Make it clear in the interview that you’re not just looking for a temporary position. Interviewers can become concerned that an applicant is only looking at the job as a means of tiding them over, until something better comes along. Throughout the interview, do not give the interviewer any reason to consider this possibility.
- If the overqualified for job statement does come up, relax. Use the opportunity to calmly and confidently explain why the job is by no means beneath you. Mention the challenges and responsibilities within the position that appeal to you.
- Ask for clarification. If the issue comes up, simply and very politely ask for details, then address those details appropriately.
Thrivas staffing agency hopes this helps!
Find a job by searching below
- Extended Stay America Hiring Event Sep 17 - Guest Services San Jose!
EXTENDED STAY AMERICA — San Jose,CAExtended Stay America - Hiring Event! Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2026 Time: 9AM - 5PM Location: 1560 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 Join us for our hiring event...
- Data Entry Clerk Work From Home - Part-Time Focus Group Participants ($750/Week)
Apex Focus Group — San Jose,CASeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Field Artillery Recruit 13U - Entry Level
US ARMY — Monterey,CA***Now Hiring Full and Part Time Positions***Job Overview: Your role is vital in defending our country and ensuring victory on the battlefield. As a Field Artillery Specialist, you will operate...
- Guest Services PT starting $18.49
EXTENDED STAY AMERICA — San Jose,CAExtended Stay America - Hiring Event! Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2026 Time: 9AM - 5PM Location: 1560 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 Join us for our hiring event...
- Customer Service Rep Work From Home
Hire Standard Staffing — San Jose,CAPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- Special Forces Candidate - Entry Level
US ARMY — Monterey,CAJob Overview: As a Special Forces Candidate, your office spans the globe, collaborating with foreign governments and tackling missions that redefine the limits of adventure. Joining the ranks of the...
- Work From Home Earn Part Time Income Side Income - Focus Group Panelist Needed (up to $750/week)
Apex Focus Group — San Jose,CASeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Office Assistant
Amerigas — San Jose,CAJob Description: Requisition Number: 30291 When you work for AmeriGas, you become a part of something BIG! Founded...
- Start Your Career in Caregiving – Flexible Schedules Available! GET PAID UP TO $25/HR
Always Best Care — Palo Alto,CAJoin Our Care Team at Always Best Care Peninsula! Are you compassionate, dependable, and driven to make a difference in people's lives? We're looking for dedicated Personal Care Attendants to...
- Caregivers Needed - Palo Alto area (Weekly Pay + Bonus Perks + Flexible Shifts)
Hillendale Home Care — Menlo Park,CA2024 Best of the East Bay - Best Home Health Services, Diablo Magazine 2023 Inc Magazine - Listed as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies 2020 Employer of...
- Court Reporter
Government Jobs — San Jose,CACourt Reporter Under general supervision, to make the verbatim official record of all testimony and activity in cases heard before the Superior Court and to perform related duties as assigned....
- Service Technician
RecruitMilitary Placement Services — San Jose,CAThis organization is a global leader in advanced cryogenic and vacuum technology, supporting mission-critical industries such as semiconductor manufacturing. The team is known for its precision engineering, high reliability standards,...
- Benefit Representative - Remote (Virtual)
Hire Standard Staffing — San Jose,CAPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- ???? NOW HIRING CAREGIVERS & COMPANIONS – SAN JOSE AREA! ????
OPTIONS FOR SENIOR AMERICA — Santa Clara,CAAre you a caring, dependable person who enjoys helping seniors feel safe, comfortable, and supported in their own homes? We'd love to hear from you! Options for Senior America –...
- Full Time Caregiver Job in Day Center (Bilingual in Spanish Preferred) Pay starts at $21/hr with a raise to $23/hr in 6 months
WelbeHealth - Menlo Park, CA — Campbell,CAMonday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm (flexibility is preferred) Benefits of Working at WelbeHealth 17 days of vacation, 12 PAID holidays, and 6 sick...
- Patient Care Technician
DaVita — Santa Clara,CAPosting Date09/14/2026777 Lawrence Expressway Ste 18, Santa Clara, California, 95051-5197, United States of AmericaPatient Care Technician No Dialysis Experience Required Paid Training Provided Open availability is required Monday...
- Writer/Journalist Internship Part-Time in Worldwide - Remote Worldwide
THE BORGEN PROJECT — Santa Clara,CAAre you passionate about making a difference in the world? Look no further! The Borgen Project is an international organization that works at the political level to improve living conditions...
- Crew
Trader Joes — Milpitas,CAIs it you? Our Crew Members create a warm and friendly shopping experience in our stores. We answer questions, offer suggestions, and ensure our customers know they are welcomed and...
- Companion Caregiver (Driver Needed)
Maxim Healthcare Services — San Jose,CAHourly Pay: $21 - $25 per hour Maxim Healthcare is hiring for a Companion Caregiver to provide services to patients/clients in their places of residence and to drive them out...
- Caregiver / Personal Assistant (Part-Time to Full-Time Opportunity) in San Jose area 95135
Friends and Family Home Care — San Jose,CAWe are seeking a reliable and compassionate caregiver to assist a client with daily living tasks. Responsibilities include: Assisting with grocery shoppingProviding support for doctor's appointments (transportation and...
- BCBA
ACES — San Jose,CADescription Salary: Starting at $95,000-$110,000 (plus up to $30,000 in annual incentives based on performance) ACES is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services dedicated to improving the...
- Caregiver Needed in Los Gatos - Competitive Pay - Flexible Schedule
Carenami — Holy City,CACompanion Caregiver Needed in Los Gatos We are seeking a warm, dependable companion caregiver in Los Gatos to provide supportive, non-medical companionship for an older adult. This role is ideal...
- Trainee Entry Level Home Daily, Weekly, and Every 2 weeks
SkillConnect LLC — San Jose,CARecent CDL-A Grads – Start Your Trucking Career with Paid Training! Just got your...
- Part-time Staff Analyst - Public Works
City of Anaheim — San Jose,CAPart-Time Staff Analyst The City of Anaheim Public Works Department is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and highly collaborative Part-Time Staff Analyst who will support the Operations and Maintenance Division. The...
- Professional Services Consultant
Apple, Inc. — Cupertino,CAProfessional Services Consultant Imagine what you can do here. Apple is a place where extraordinary people gather to do their lives best work. Together we create products and experiences people...
- CALLING ALL CAREGIVERS IN ALL CITIES OF THE BAY AREA, NO LICENSE NEEDED! Competitive Pay, Flexible Schedules! Nestvy Senior Placement and Home Care - Bay Area
Nestvy Senior Placement and Home Care - Bay Area — Palo Alto,CAAny individual who is competent to perform assigned functions of non-medical care to the client in the residence. Requirements: - Valid drivers license - Social Security Card - 2 References...
- Entry Level Customer Success Opportunity
Year Up United — Campbell,CAYear Up United is a one-year or less, intensive job training program that provides young adults with in-classroom skill development, access to internships and job placement services, and personalized coaching...
- Environmental Project Specialist - Part Time
Onterris — San Jose,CAEnvironmental Project Specialist This Environmental Project Specialist role involves being responsible for supporting Project Managers on project tasks and assignments to meet project goals and deliver best-in-class services to our...
- Host
P.F. Chang's — Pleasanton,CAP.F. Chang's Pay Range (based on experience): $18.50 - $21.50 / hour*Benefits we offer for this position:* *All team members: * * Competitive pay * Flexible scheduling * Paid on...
- Health Consultant
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation — San Jose,CAHealth Consultant The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is seeking qualified consultants to provide Health Consultant Services for its Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Services may include health...
- Litigation Consultant | Auto | Remote
Sedgwick — San Jose,CALitigation Consultant | Auto | Remote Primary Purpose Of The Role: To address and handle high end cases with serious injuries, complex coverage scenarios and legal inquiries or disputes; to...
- Contract to Perm Legal Administrative Assistant (Hybrid)
Naviga — Palo Alto,CALegal Administrative Assistant (LAA) The Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) provides essential administrative and clerical support to attorneys and legal teams. In this role, you will ensure the smooth operation of...
- Workplace Coordinator
Robert Half — San Jose,CAWorkplace Coordinator We are looking for a Workplace Coordinator to support daily office operations in San Jose, California. This Contract position is ideal for someone who can keep schedules organized,...
- Retail Sales Associate
Macys — San Jose,CA*Be part of an amazing story* Macy's is more than just a store. We're a story. One that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years....
- Teen Coordinator (Full-Time) - Palo Alto
YMCA — Palo Alto,CATeen Coordinator The Teen Coordinator will assist in implementing all teen programs and initiatives. Specific responsibilities include building relationships with youth and teens; collaborating with community partners, such as local...
- Contract Staffing Specialist
SMX Staffing — Hayward,CAStaffing Specialist With Staff Management | SMX, you'll get a weekly paycheck, learn new skills, meet new people, and work with a great management team in a clean and safe...
- Remote Family Law Partner
Talent Search PRO — San Jose,CAAttorney Position Salary range: $300K - $300K Location: Marin County, CA, Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, San Francisco Bay Area Remote work policy: The firm is...
- Hiring South Bay Drivers - Up to $32/hr!
Via Transportation — Sunnyvale,CADrive With Purpose. Transport Students. Earn Up to $32/Hour. Looking for a flexible way to earn extra income while making a real impact in your community? Via Student Transit is...
- Safety Compliance Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of America — San Jose,CASafety Compliance Officer The safety and well-being of young people at Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley is our top priority. There is nothing more important to us than...
- Immigration & Mobility Coordinator
Intersources — Santa Clara,CAImmigration & Mobility Coordinator We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Human Resources Administrator to join our Immigration and Global Mobility team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative...